Where There Was Fire

by John Manuel Arias
Where There Was Fire cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Magical Realism
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  • ID: 3016
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781035041411
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2023-08-29
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3

Where There Was Fire is a haunting tale set in 1968 Costa Rica, where a fire on an American Fruit Company plantation not only destroys evidence of a cover-up but also shatters a family. Teresa Cepeda Valverde loses her mother to murder and her husband to the night, leaving her daughter Lyra to piece together the fragmented history years later. As Lyra delves into the past, she uncovers a web of betrayals fueled by machismo, jealousy, and greed, all intertwined with ancestral spirits and the forces of nature. The novel is a brilliant tapestry of love, loss, and redemption, blending magical realism with a deep exploration of family and history. /n/n John Manuel Arias's debut novel is praised for its operatic saga and unforgettable storytelling, weaving together legend, dream sequences, and a society at odds with itself. The narrative is enriched by the lush Costa Rican setting and the haunting presence of the past, making it a compelling read that lingers in the reader's soul.

Reviews
The Times Literary Supplement · Patrick Graney · 2024-03-08
ambitious 4.00

The novel is praised for its ambitious reconstruction of historical events and its deep investigation into their meaning. The reviewer highlights the intricate storytelling and the emotional depth of the narrative.

Patrick Graney from The Times Literary Supplement commends John Manuel Arias's debut novel for its bold attempt to reconstruct and explore the complexities of historical events. They appreciate the way the story delves into the full meaning of these events, offering a rich and layered narrative. Graney finds the novel's exploration of family dynamics and the impact of the past on the present particularly compelling, making it a significant addition to contemporary literature. The reviewer also notes the lyrical quality of the writing, which enhances the emotional resonance of the story.

Quick quotes

    Arias's ambitious debut novel is a reconstruction of these events, and an investigation into their full meaning.

    The novel's exploration of family dynamics is both heart-wrenching and insightful.

    Arias's lyrical prose elevates the narrative, making it a compelling read.

LatinX in Publishing · 2023-12-21
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer lauds the novel for its brilliant portrayal of a strained family saga and its exploration of colonial history and machismo. They highlight the author's skill in weaving a complex and haunting narrative.

The reviewer from LatinX in Publishing praises John Manuel Arias's debut novel for its brilliant depiction of a family torn apart by secrets and colonial history. They appreciate the way Arias delves into themes of machismo and the lingering effects of the past on the present. The reviewer finds the narrative haunting and beautifully crafted, with a deep emotional impact. They also commend the author's ability to create complex characters and a richly textured story that resonates long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    John Manuel Arias brilliantly writes his debut Where There Was Fire, detailing a strained family saga haunted by the colonial history and machismo it's set against.

    The novel's exploration of the past's impact on the present is both poignant and powerful.

    Arias's skillful storytelling makes this a haunting and unforgettable read.

Gilmore Guide to Books · Catherine · 2023-08-28
seamless 4.00

The reviewer admires the seamless unfolding of the story despite its dramatic elements. They highlight the author's ability to handle complex themes with grace and depth.

Catherine from Gilmore Guide to Books appreciates the way John Manuel Arias manages to weave a complex and dramatic story without losing coherence or impact. She finds the novel's exploration of love, trauma, and redemption particularly compelling. Catherine praises Arias's ability to handle these themes with sensitivity and depth, making the story both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging. She also notes the lyrical quality of the writing, which adds to the overall richness of the narrative.

Quick quotes

    There is so much drama in Where There Was Fire that the story could have become unwieldy, but in Arias' hands it unfolds seamlessly.

    The novel's exploration of love and redemption is both heartfelt and profound.

    Arias's lyrical prose enhances the emotional depth of the story.

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